Our Mission

To care and advocate for Alaska’s wild birds through rehabilitation, education, and outreach.

our vision

A world in which people are proactive, compassionate stewards of wild birds and their habitats.

We Value

Compassion

Nurturing compassion and respect for all living beings.

Stewardship

Promoting responsible stewardship of wild birds and their habitats.

Serving Alaska

Serving Alaska by caring for the wild birds who are a vital part of its iconic landscapes.

Quality Care

Providing quality care for the birds in our rehabilitation clinic and education program.

why do We Rehabilitate?

We believe that rehabilitation is an act of responsible stewardship.

Many animals admitted to rehabilitation centers are injured by human activities and increasing urbanization. Birds may suffer injuries when they are struck by a car, attacked by a cat or dog, collide with a window, or ingest trash, pesticides, or lead. Sadly, some birds have been intentionally harmed by humans.

Given that most of the birds we see in our clinic have been negatively impacted by humans, we consider it our responsibility to offer them a second chance at life in the wild. When rehabilitation is not possible, we make the kindest and most ethical decision to provide humane euthanasia, preventing prolonged suffering.

rehabilitation at bird tLC

Over 500 injured, ill, and orphaned wild birds come to our rehabilitation clinic annually from across the state. Dedicated staff and volunteers care for each one, with the hope of giving them a second chance at life in the wild. 

We are permitted by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Alaska Department of Fish and Game to rehabilitate and release any bird species protected by the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act. 

our history

Bird Treatment and Learning Center (Bird TLC) began as a handful of volunteers working under the guidance of James R. Scott, DVM, at Arctic Animal Hospital. We became a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit in 1988.

After outgrowing the animal hospital, we operated out of rental locations until 2022 when we moved into a newly constructed 4,000-square-foot clinic above the birding hotspot of Potter Marsh.

Dr. James Scott

Bird TLC’s founder, Dr. James Scott, DVM, passed away on January 25th, 2017. We are grateful for his compassion for and care of the wild birds of Alaska.

Dr. Scott educated many children about the importance of environmental concerns, especially after the Exxon Valdez oil spill. He was the recipient of multiple awards for his veterinary service, as well as the Pfizer Merit Award for activities in Civil Defense following the Alaska Earthquake. He was honored by President Reagan with the Take Pride in America award.